Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II Definitive Review | Lighter, Faster, Sharper

[@sgpork]

The only lens that has no con except cost. But for what it can do and bring to the table .. the cost is really ok. best 70-200 ever made. Period.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's a pretty fair assessment.

[@Jonathantuba]

My experience using this lens is it compares favourable to the 400 F2.8 and 600 F4 GM primes in image quality, so when you consider the high price of those lenses (4x the price), this 70-200 does not seem expensive

[@lucasliaskos]

Finally, the definitive review of the 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II. Thank you Dustin, this lens seems to be a worthy investement despite the cost. This paired with the 24-70 GM II are pretty much the only lenses I need for my A9/A7RIII.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's pretty much my conclusion.

[@M.Montgomery]

My only and favorite (landscape) zoom lens. My other lenses are all primes, indeed the images from this lens are indistinguishable from my other GM primes. And it is surprisingly good as a "macro" lens. I am not a pro, so indeed it is an "expensive" lens. If you are a pro this lens should pay for it self in a few sessions.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's true that pros can quickly earn back what they pay for gear...though even if you earn from your photography, you have to make sound fiscal decisions.

[@ThorKampmannPhoto]

Would love to see a sharpness/contrast comparison with this and the 70-200 mk1 and GM 135

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

hi Thor, I appreciate your request, but unfortunately I only own one of these three lenses, so getting them all together at the same time isn't easy.

[@hypeuprise7026]

I am sure that 135 is sharpest, followed by gm ii and then gm

[@Jeo-What]

That looks like an amazing image quality lens for people who enjoying the 70-200mm range. For me the versatility of the Tamron 35-150mm f/2.0-f/2.8 on a A7RV that is partially a 35-225mm when combining the use of both full and APS-C modes (61MP/26MP) together without the weight and lost of light of a teleconverter while still getting f/2.0-f/2.8 aperture range throughout the entire zoom. For someone just need/want Sony or to have the option to shoot 30fps, Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II is definitely without any question the best of the best in its class.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm with you on the Tamron. I love the versatility of that focal range for my event work.

[@Jeo-What]

@@DustinAbbottTWI It has been an year since I commanded on this lens and re-watching it again as my patience has paid off to acquired this lens privately at 33% off retail (50% if tax is factored in) that still has over 2 years of local Sony and international transferable warranty. I will continue to use the Tamron 35-15mm f/2.0-f/2.8 for all regular event to eliminate the need of carrying extra lens & weight and lens swapping but for indoor sports this lens is going to be helpful to reach the far end of the ice hockey with excellent corner sharpness on an A1 for cropping. The C-AF & center sharpness for both lenses are on par with Tamron having more contrast which means looks a bit noisier at high ISO but the mid and edge sharpness of the GM II is far more superior over the Tamron that looks much softer. OSS is nice to have but not extremely necessary when shooting 1/1000s and above most of the time.

[@Xetenor]

Great review! I agree as well and am a super happy owner of this beauty. This lens is pretty much the most impressive zoom lens I've ever used. It's literally everything you could ask to improve in a GM II. That lighting accurate af is so crazy to experience in real life. Every image just is so sharp and has such beautiful rendering. This might be sonys most impressive zoom lens they made.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm with you on that.

[@hirakbhattacharjee8140]

I recently use this lens (borrowing from a friend) for a family portrait session.. I literally blown away by its optical performance.. Earlier also I have watched your this particular video, but now I can correlate about your all excitement about this lens... Thanks Dustin for all your review.. All I can say, I bought more than 5 lens based on your review and I already ordered this one for myself.. so which makes it to 6.. Thank you again Dustin.. Regards from Australia..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My channel has been an expensive one for you!

[@lisap5615]

Thank you for including so much information and detail in your reviews. You always do such an excellent job. Lenses are very expensive, as you mentioned, so having access to an honest and detailed review is especially important when deciding which lenses to purchase.

[@LangDu21]

This lens is a gem in Sony FE lineup. I have been using this extensively with 2X TC and the results are really impressive. AF is extremely fast as expected with XD Linear motors. A must have lens for Sony mirrorless shooter. Period!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a very strong lens, and yes, takes TCs very well.

[@Rollergold4]

Whole heartedly agreed with this review, the lighter weight and sharper image's are worth the price of admission alone imo but add everything else Sony added to the lens and it's glass worthy of the Gold Master badge. Also got mine for 1500 CAD after trading in the mk 1 version.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad you are enjoying it.

[@robnew7481]

Like I said before its one awesome lens! Yep almost broke the bank for $3000 with tax and all but I have made it back 3x more. I love this lens for a lot of things.I also have 1.4 converter for it and the 200-600 sony and its awesome!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you actually earn money with photography, it makes this lens a more solid investment. It is so good and will make your life easier as a photographer.

[@berto1706]

Top review. Do you think that the 70-200 2.8 GM II with 2X teleconverter will be any close to the 100-400mm GM at 400mm. Cant decide between those two. As autofocus doesnt matter much to me this would really just come down to the IQ. If the teleconverter would be pretty close that would be an easy decision for me.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't been able to test that combination, but according to the chart tests from Bryan Carnathan, the 100-400mm will be sharper and have less CA: www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1577&Camera=1538&Sample=0&FLI=5&API=2&LensComp=1147&CameraComp=1106&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=1

[@Jonathantuba]

I have owned this lens for over a year and often use with the 2x teleconverter. I did test against the 100-400, and with the examples I had, the 70-200 + 2x teleconverter was actually sharper (to my surprise) and a lot nicer to use with the internal zoom. I have since sold my 100-400 and have never looked back. The 100-400 was a relatively early GM lens, and in my opinion is not as good as the 70-200 GMii in any respect.

[@RandumbTech]

Like the other comment below, I have used the 70-200 GMii with 2X teleconverter and it's insanely good. I've shot a lot of sports with it and the images are incredible. I don't have any experience with the 100-400, but can say that I would never consider that lens simply because the size and weight of the 70-200 GMii + 2X Teleconverter makes it more versatile.

[@michelfalardeau8214]

@@RandumbTech How does the AF compares with/without the 2.0TC? Looking for longer reach, since I have the 70-200.....

[@RandumbTech]

@@michelfalardeau8214 In good light, there was no perceptible difference. In lower light conditions it was very slightly noticeable, but still sooooo much better than any other camera brand out there.

[@Pablomache]

Great review as always. Compared to the original FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS there are a few edits though: @4:13 Both lens have 11 aperture blades. @6:37 Both lens have 3 focus hold buttons.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I went and checked, and you are correct. The listing where I got that information from was inaccurate.

[@Pablomache]

@@DustinAbbottTWI sorry if my comment seemed like I was complaining. I did really enjoy the video and appreciate the effort you put into them.

[@fluxcapacitor3273]

this is a masterpiece of a lens. i just bought it and can't believe sharpness even at the extreme corners. af is blazing fast and accurate, lightweigh and razor sharp at all FL at all areas of the image...I also found OSS extremely helpful , for example i can't get tack sharp photos with my sigma 85 1.4 dg dn at 1/60s but with Sony, i get tack sharp photos at 1/60 and over 100mm FLs. how did they achieve it..amazing lens amazing, i glued it to one of my A7IVs.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Agreed.

[@Matti6950]

I got it for 2300€ (new 2800€), no regrets :) i kept waiting for F4 sharp version, but the size of this thing is so good, and F2;8 is more usefull then I expected, this Sony lens brings a lot of stuff together: AF, sharpness, Size, internal zoom, focus speed etc. I'll certainly not be buying primes in same range for a while, they would not get enough use to warrant their purchase ;D

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a beautiful lens, for sure.

[@MaxCherry4170]

I'm not really interested in zoom lenses, but this looks exceptional. A 'one lens to rule them all' kind of affair.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Pretty much

[@mtpicasso1982]

Have been waiting everyday! Thank you Dustin :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@MaxCherry4170]

Great review as always. The eyelash detail was incredible. Hard to believe this is a zoom.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely.

[@peterjeczen]

Thank you very much for your reviews. Do you think this lens will be a good fit for the A7R IV?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Absolutely.

[@recklesscoding]

Thank you Dustin! After reading and watching your review of this lens, I pulled the plug as a ‘goodbye 2023’ gift to myself. I got the lens today. The AF is excellent even on low light; by far the fastest lens I have owned. The only annoying thing is that my copy came with a large white dust spec right below the front element and dead in the center of it! Kinda disappointed with Sony’s QC given how expensive this lens is.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's too bad about the dust spot.

[@recklesscoding]

Yep. I am not sure if it is worth sending the lens back or if this is common with this model. I went through a couple of 85mm GM to get one that was spotless. Of course, dust will eventually find its way in but it sucks on a new lens.

[@lorenzo4262]

in terms of sharpness, and contrast, which is better, this or the sony 70-200 f4 G2 macro?(at f/4 obviusly)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

In all honesty, don't use that as a metric to decide between the two lenses. They are both so incredibly sharp that you couldn't ask for more sharpness. Decided based on which lens suits your photography needs.

[@user-rj2yn1vs4c]

i tried this lens.for me its a little bit slow on focus more better the first one

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you are finding it slow to focus, it’s got to be some other issue, as this lens can focus basically instantly.

[@juanmoreno8217]

Thank you very much Dustin for the review! What would you choose between this Sony 70-200mm GM version 2 vs (Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 + Samyang 135mm f1.8 + sigma 105mm Dg Dn Macro) with the same budget on a Sony a7 IV? I shoot weddings, portraits, pets and product as main activities and sometimes nature. Thanks a lot Dustin.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Wow - that's a lot of lenses for the same money! I would put it this way: does your shooting style and needs allow for you to change lenses, or would you be better served by having a one lens solution? I like the versatility of the second package (wider aperture at 135mm, having a macro option), but there's a lot of redundancy in focal length there. Would you end up just using one of those lenses most of the time anyway because you don't want to pack all of them or change lenses?

[@theusbadenhorst]

I think this would complemen the sony a7R5 very well since in crop mode you basically get a 300mm f2.8 for free. Or am I missing something?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not really. You are only getting 26MP in crop mode, but that is still plenty for most things.

[@stharlingdr]

Great review. Thank you very much for such informative review

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure

[@user-vu2mv8mk4w]

Thank you for the review!!! Which one would you suggest in between sigma 105mm and Sony 70-200 gm ll ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Probably the Sony. It is just so good and flexible that it makes up for the difference in aperture.

[@0verflown]

Hi Dustin, what tele would you recommend for someone looking into hiking/wildlife photography and owning a Sigma 85 DN as my longest focal length (on A7IV)? Thanks for your great content as always.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

How much reach do you think you would need? A good potential option is the Tamron 150-500mm (bhpho.to/3L1E3P8) as it gives very good reach, is relatively compact and light), has good performance, and is very reasonably priced for this class of lens at $1200 USD right now.

[@shutterchiefphotography]

Would you prefer the 35-150 mm or this lens for portrait photography?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would depend on whether or not I had other lenses. If I was going with a one lens solution, I'd go with the 35-150mm for the versatility of the zoom range. If I was looking for just a telephoto option to compliment something wider, I would go with the 70-200 for its sheer excellence.

[@jonspoard8416]

Great review as always. Very versatile but would you ditch the amazing 135 1.8 for it?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That really depends on what your needs are. The zoom is more versatile, obviously, though 135mm lenses create really unique and special images.

[@jonspoard8416]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks Dustin. Keep up the great work.

[@darrenhaken]

For travel would you recommend the Tamron over this? I could use this Sony for work events as well but I wasn’t sure if going for the cheaper Tamron makes sense for travel - much smaller and still lighter yet again…

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Obviously the Tamron remains the winner if your priority is traveling as light and compact as possible. It's still a very good lens, though this GM lens is even more exceptional.

[@darrenhaken]

@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks Dustin. It’s reassuring you still rate the Tamron. I appreciate this lens is in a category above though.

[@mralexlex]

Excellent review, many thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure!

[@WestWightPhotography]

Nice review. Has anyone tried this lens with 2x teleconverter. Love to know how it compares with the 100-400 at 400mm

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't own a 2x TC, but should probably get one.

[@WestWightPhotography]

I have seen videos where they say the 2 x on the 70-200 matches the quality of the 100-400 at 400. (Little bit more CA with teleconv). But then also others saying it’s not. I was hoping you had tested it 😉🙂.

[@davidhoang3985]

How’s the microcontrast compared to the 24-70 GM II?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

They are very good matches optically.

[@giuseppebonelli9512]

Hey Dustin, Thanking you for all the great work you do, I'd like to ask you the following: I own a Sony A73, Tamoron 28-75mm f2.8 and 150-500mm, considering I shoot wildlife, birding, landscape, street photography and family portraiture, would you recommend the Tamron 70-180 f2.8, this Sony f2.8 o the Latest Sony 70-200m f4 macro, all things considered? God bless, Giuseppe.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would lean towards either of the Sony options (whichever your budget will allow) if you will be doing some wildlife and birding with the lens as well. You’ll appreciate the superior autofocus in the long run.

[@giuseppebonelli9512]

Yes I do lots of birding. I now have the answer. Thank you.

[@Jwitherow1964]

Nice job as always God bless you!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

Though a Canon 6D and Fuji ( various X bodies) ,the usual quality review. Clearly a top flight lens. That said , even if I shot Sony, the price would be an issue. Not sure if I need the "sharpest 70-200 2.8" in the world as so many other factors affect the creation of a top flight image. That said, for those invested in the Song ff system, with deep pockets , the choice seems readily apparent.

[@RandumbTech]

I shot Fuji for a looooong time. I bought this lens along with an A7iv and my images are now stunning. Literally, the only thing I changed was my kit - my skills stayed the same. The Fuji 50-140 was great for static objects but Fuji AF could not keep up with fast action. That's the biggest difference between the 2 systems.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair, Robert.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You are completely correct, Randumb. The autofocus capabilities of a modern Sony FF camera with a lens like this are definitely next level.

[@MissCharly1992]

Just bought it. The sigma is out, but the weight and switched focus ring is holding me back to buy the sigma. And well , I'm an adult who has to spend her bonus on something right? 😂 Also doing it professionally, so makes sense. Only now have to figure out all the buttons on the lens. Not used to it. But so excited to start using it!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You'll love the lens as you get comfortable with it.

[@realthoprivate]

This is the best 70-200 ever produced, by any brand.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Completely agree.

[@L3ON360Z]

Zooms are getting ridiculously good. At a cost of course.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's true.

[@subbbass]

great video, thank you Dustin! But isn't it too cold for your daughter without warm clothes and winter-boots ?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

We weren't out for long.

[@MamaLifeBre]

Better than the Canon RF version?

[@livejames9374]

Yes

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think it is.

[@phodge9985]

well now we know sigma will hopefully be putting out their 70-200 or whatever they are planning so hopefully they might bring a mid level pricing

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be nice.

[@pedrol.5417]

It is a fantastic lens. You pay lots of money and Sony deliver a superb 70-200 f2.8

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's pretty much it.

[@Peterogen]

❤❤

[@j16m02]

I hope your model is well paid!🙂

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm helping put her through university right now ;)

[@tshev]

I don't like 70-200mm focal length. Tamron has made a better choice with their 35-150mm.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do really love the Tamron's focal range, but if you are looking for a 70-200mm lens (you aren't, obviously), this is the best of its kind right now.

[@tshev]

@@DustinAbbottTWI 100% true. It's sad that Sony doesn't offer a similar lens :(

[@jliparis2989]

Hard to take a review of any Sony lens seriously when the reviewer shows and talks about Sony MTF charts as if they matter. Sony MTF charts are all theoretical. The charts are not based on a actual lens being tested. And yes it matters a great deal. Not saying this latest Sony version of the 70-200mm F2.8 is not a fantastic lens because it is a great lens. But as great as it is the performance does not match the MTF charts. This is the same for Canon, Nikon, etc. The only MTF charts that matter are those that come from actually testing a production sample of the lens. To my knowledge only Leica, Zeiss and Rodenstock produced MTF charts that have actual meaning in reality.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I completely disagree. I always look at how my results compare with the MTF charts, as it does establish a baseline for performance. In this case the results do match what is shown in the MTF charts.

[@hypeuprise7026]

What the hell, why did you hack Dustin's channel?

[@kmahsan]

come on sigma, give us 95% performance at half the price 😅

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That would be nice.

[@asankalakmal5502]

nice review as always

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thank you very much.